As far as I'm concerned, "The Puppet Master" was his best album with either band in the last ten years. So well, I can't complain.
But one more thing about bashing King Diamond that disturbs me is that he's getting cursed for being nothing but honest. How many bands and musicians do you think make decisions for commercial reasons but would never ever admit it and talk about growing musically etc... instead of admitting that they want to cash in on some trends or whatever. Making reunions for the money etc...
King Diamond has two bands, and I personally presume that he loves them both. Yet there's one that feeds him and another one that doesn't feed him. He feels like he's got only the time to do one properly, so the decision to focus on King Diamond is the most natural thing that I could imagine anyone doing. And he plays with open cards, saying honestly why he does so... What more can you expect from a man? I just don't get it. Honestly. I think it was Euronymous who once said that he doesn't get the idea that only the stuff that doesn't make money can be true... Me neither. Not making enough money for once in their carreer was what killed my all time favourite band. I wish they had been able to sell for once...
If the music he did with King Diamond was totally commercial and nothing like Mercyful Fate, then I probably I could understand people being angry or rather sad, like I am concerning Savatage, who are basically on ice because of T.S.O., but in the case of King Diamond "vs." Mercyful Fate, I really don't get the point. And I don't understand how one can actually blame an artist for trying to earn his living. I don't even blame Oliva and O'Neill for cashing in on TSO and neglecting Savatage that long. You gotta milk the cow as long as it gives milk. If TSO should be "out" next year, at least you can be assured that Oliva has earned enough money to cope with commercial setbacks in the future. And who if not him (or King Diamond) have deserved to earn money with their music?
That said, I also hope to get another Mercyful Fate or Savatage album one day, and I'm confident that I will. I'll give 'em the time they need to create one. Until that day will come, I'll be happy with Jon Oliva's Pain and King Diamond solo.
"the guy is only after $$$$ here"
... so you think he doesn't love the King Diamond band, the music and the great stories he writes for it? Well, weird... I'm pretty damn sure he does with all his heartblood. But I'm sure you know better...
